Discussion of 实在/實在

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In this post, we discuss the difference between 确实“ and “实在”：
1. Both words can be used as an adj. , but the meaning of them is slightly different.
"确实" stresses “actual and credible”.
E.g. . 这是一条确实的消息。 [phr] This is a piece of credible news.

“实在”：as an adj. stresses “concrete and real”
E.g. 内容实在 [phr] the content is substantial

“实在”can be used to describe someone or something that is earnest and unfeigned.
E.g. 这个人很实在，值得信任。 [phr] This person is very honest, (and he) is worth your trust.
实在 can be used to modify someone, but 确实 can't.

2.When they are used as an adv.,their meaning are both “indeed, really”. The slight difference is:
确实 focuses more on indicating affirmation;
E.g. 你最近确实很有进步。 [phr] You have indeed made a lot of progress lately.
实在 is used to indicate the degree.
E.g. 我实在是太累了。 [phr] I am truly so tired.

确实 can be put in front of the sentence alone,but 实在 can't.
E.g. .确实，那地方太远了。√ or 那地方确实太远了。 √（Certainly, this is too expensive.）
E.g. 那地方实在太远了。 We cannot put 实在 alone at the beginning of the sentence.

3.A fixed phrase using “实在” is "说实在的"（meaning ”to be honest”）, 确实 can be replace 实在 in this phrase.

lisaC

真 vs 实在
These are can both be adjectives and adverbs. What are their differences?

When 真 and 实在 (shi3 zai4) are adjectives：
1. 真 means "true, genuine, authentic", as opposed to "untrue, false, fake"
2. 实在 means "true, real, down-to-earth", as in "substantial", "trustworthy", "honest-to-good".
3. Note the difference between 实在 (shi3 zai4) and 实在 (shi3 zai5). 实在 (shi3 zai5) is an adjective that's used in some dialects describing work - well-done, done carefully

When 真 and 实在 are adverbs meaning "really, indeed", they are largely interchangeable.
Note that 实在, as an adverb, can also mean "actually, in fact", which is less frequently used. 真 doesn't have this usage.
E.g.她说她明白了，实在并没明白。 r/- [phr] She said she got it, (but) in fact didn't understand (anything).

lisaC

How is 实在 used in a sentence? (shí zài)

个学生

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实在 versus 的确:

1. 的确 is only an adverb, while 实在 can be an adverb, adjective or noun.

2. When 的确 and 实在 are both adverbs, 实在 can mean "actually, in fact", and 的确 doesn't have this meaning.
E.g. 她说她明白了，实在并没明白。 [phr] She said she got it, (but) in fact didn't understand (anything).

3. When 的确 and 实在 are both adverbs, 的确 is objective, used to confirm that something is factual; 实在, on the other hand, expresses subjective judgements of a status, and 实在 is more about extent or degree.
E.g. Compare these two sentences
- Whether it rained or not, it's an objective fact: 不过，今天的确下雨了。 [phr] However, it is raining indeed today.
- One's opinion of a film is subjective: 这种电影实在腻味。 [phr] This kind of film is really boring.

In some cases where things can either be subjective or objective, 的确 and 实在 can both be used but with a nuance:
- Describing a fact: 交通阻塞的确是北京的老大难。 [phr] Traffic congestion is indeed a long-standing problem in Beijing.
- Expressing one's opinion: 交通阻塞实在是北京的老大难。 [phr] Traffic congestion is indeed a long-standing problem in Beijing.

lisaC

Are there any synonyms or antonyms for 实在? (shí zài)

个学生

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